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The Communiqué News

Maharani is a refreshing Gujarati film that brings warmth, humor, and emotion in equal measure.


Swati Bhat

Maharani A Heartfelt Gujarati Cinematic Gem

Directed by Viral Shah, the story follows Manasi (played by Manasi Parekh), a working mother struggling to balance her home and career. When she hires Rani (Shraddha Dangar), an outspoken and quirky maid, an unlikely but touching friendship begins to form.

What starts as a typical “maid hunt” soon evolves into something deeper. The film explores themes of emotional labor, gender roles, and how women support each other in ways often unseen. Both leads deliver honest, heartfelt performances. Parekh’s portrayal of a modern woman feels authentic, while Dangar’s natural comic timing and energy add spark to every scene. Their chemistry is the backbone of the film.

Supporting actors like Ojas Rawal and Sanjay Goradia bring lightness without overshadowing the main narrative. The writing by Raam Mori and Hardik Sangani keeps things relatable, though a few subplots could’ve been more fleshed out.

Parth Bharat Thakkar’s music adds subtle emotional depth, enhancing the film’s grounded tone. Maharani isn’t flashy, but it’s sincere, entertaining, and deeply relatable—especially for urban families.





Venice, July 22, 2025 – The countdown has officially begun. At exactly 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice International Film Festival, unveiled the much-anticipated lineup for the 82nd Venice Film Festival, scheduled to run from August 27 to September 6, 2025.

The festival, renowned as the oldest cinematic event in the world, promises ten days of cinematic magic, global star power, and unforgettable red-carpet moments on the Venetian Lido.



Paolo Sorrentino Opens With La Grazia

The curtain rises with Paolo Sorrentino’s new film La Grazia, starring his long-time collaborator Toni Servillo alongside Anna Ferzetti. This love story set in Turin is expected to deliver the director’s signature mix of emotional depth and striking visuals.

Opening celebrations will also honor cinema’s past, featuring a restored screening of Queen Kelly (1929) by Erich von Stroheim and Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s environmental documentary Origin, the Venetian Lagoon.

Hollywood Stars Set to Shine

The Venice Film Festival 2025 red carpet will welcome a parade of international A-listers. Highlights include:

  • Julia Roberts making her Venice debut in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, presented Out of Competition.

  • George Clooney, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, and Laura Dern starring in Noah Baumbach’s highly anticipated Jay Kelly.

  • Emma Stone, Jessie Plemons, and Alicia Silverstone reuniting with Yorgos Lanthimos for Bugonia.

  • Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz in Guillermo del Toro’s gothic spectacle Frankenstein.

  • Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver leading Jim Jarmusch’s family saga Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.

Also confirmed: Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebecca Ferguson, Paul Dano, Jude Law, Gal Gadot, and even Al Pacino in multiple projects.

Italian Cinema at the Heart of the Festival

Italy takes center stage with strong contenders in Competition. Alongside La Grazia, audiences will see:

  • Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo

  • Duse by Pietro Marcello, a biopic on iconic actress Eleonora Duse starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi

  • A Film Made for Good by Franco Maresco, exploring the life of Carmelo Bene

  • Under the Clouds by Gianfranco Rosi

This powerful Italian lineup underscores the festival’s mission to balance global storytelling with homegrown masterpieces.

Lifetime Achievements & Jury Spotlight

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will honor two cinematic legends: actress Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. Meanwhile, the prestigious Competition jury will be led by Alexander Payne, joined by Italy’s own Maura Delpero, making history as the first female director to win a David di Donatello.

A Global Stage of Cinema

From Sorrentino’s Italian elegance to Del Toro’s dark fantasy, from Roberts’ long-awaited Venice debut to Clooney’s timeless charisma, the Venice Film Festival 2025 stands as the year’s cinematic event to watch. With its unique blend of Hollywood glamour, Italian artistry, and global storytelling, the festival is set to once again prove why Venice remains the beating heart of world cinema.

Indian Films at the 82nd Venice Film Festival

1. Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy (Orizzonti Competition)

Anuparna Roy’s poignant Hindi-language drama Songs of Forgotten Trees has earned a place in the Orizzonti section — the festival’s segment celebrating bold, innovative storytelling. Inspired by Roy’s own upbringing in rural Bengal, the film follows two female migrants in Mumbai—an aspiring actress and her friend, a sex worker—navigating life under patriarchy. The Hollong tree, a symbol of forgotten connections, is woven into the film’s emotional core. Roy’s deeply personal storytelling has drawn praise for its honesty and regional authenticity.

2. Mother – Opening the Orizzonti Programme

Another highlight is Mother, a biographical feature about Mother Teresa, directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska. This film opens the Orizzonti section and is co-produced by Faridkot-born, Kolkata-based producer Prateek Bagi. Shot across iconic Kolkata locales—including Howrah Bridge, Kumartuli, and the Loreto Convent where Mother Teresa once taught—the narrative focuses on a critical seven-day period in 1948 when she left the Loreto Convent to start the Missionaries of Charity. Noomi Rapace, a Swedish actress, leads the cast.

3. Do Bigha Zamin – 4K Restoration in Venice Classics

A cherished milestone of Indian cinema, Bimal Roy's 1953 classic Do Bigha Zamin, has been lovingly restored in 4K and selected for the Venice Classics section. The restoration effort, by the Film Heritage Foundation, Criterion Collection, and Janus Films, brings renewed life to this emotionally gripping tale of a farmer battling industrialization, timed to coincide with Roy’s 116th birth anniversary.

4. Secret of a Mountain Serpent by Nidhi Saxena (Biennale College – Cinema)

Emerging Indian talent is also represented through Secret of a Mountain Serpent, directed by Nidhi Saxena. This India–Sri Lanka co-production is part of the Biennale College – Cinema initiative — supporting micro-budget, innovative films. It’s one of four feature films in this category, and offers viewers a glimpse of new voices shaping world cinema.





Swati Bhat

Cannes, France – May 15, 2025

Cannes 2025: Bharat Pavilion Inaugurated in Presence of Shekhar Kapur and Anupam Kher, Showcasing India’s Global Creative Strength

The Bharat Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival 2025 was inaugurated today in a grand ceremony attended by acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and veteran actor Anupam Kher, marking India’s dynamic presence on the global cinematic stage. The pavilion, organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, serves as India’s official platform to showcase its film, content, and creative industries to the world.

During the inauguration, the dignitaries highlighted India’s growing role as a global hub for film production, storytelling, and creative innovation. The Bharat Pavilion will host industry networking sessions, film showcases, and co-production meetings, connecting Indian filmmakers with global producers, studios, and investors.

“India’s stories are now reaching global audiences like never before. The Bharat Pavilion at Cannes celebrates that creative spirit,” said Shekhar Kapur.

The initiative reflects the Indian government’s vision to strengthen international partnerships and boost exports of Indian films, OTT content, and digital media. With powerful representation at Cannes 2025, India continues to cement its position as a rising powerhouse in global cinema and creative collaboration.




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